COLD weather is on its way, with the appearance of a flame robin at Bonegilla heralding the start of icy weather.

Flame and scarlet robins are common in alpine areas during summer and move to lower altitudes as the temperature drops.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries senior biodiversity officer Glen Johnson said the birds were common in rural areas at this time of year.

“Flames and scarlets are a sure sign that winter is on the way,” he said.

“Both species are seasonal migrants that come down from higher country during winter. They move down to lower altitudes to escape the cold and lack of insect tucker at this time of the year in the alps.”